Kirby Ruffner, Day Instructor
What Kirby Ruffner enjoys most about her job is creating an environment where students have the opportunity to learn about each other while gaining practice in English.  “Sharing interests,” she said, “makes learning English a pleasant experience since it gives us the chance to inspire one another and grow.” She has been teaching in the English Language Center (TELC) since 2004.  In addition to teaching English in TELC, she has taught at Columbia University, Baruch College and the workplace literacy program at LaGuardia airport. 

Ms. Ruffner provides a language immersion experience for her students.  “Even beginning language learners use English in my class from day one.  We share stories.  We exchange ideas.  We learn from one another.  It’s what inspires me,” she added, “and makes each day of teaching new and fresh.”